Tuesday 4th May 2021

Principal's Welcome

The start to term 2 has been a speedy one with a number of community events, services and celebrations occurring.

After missing ANZAC day in 2020 due to COVID-19, it was once again a proud moment to see our students leading services in the school and  participating in community events.  Our students were exemplary in the respect they paid to our service men and women, well done to you all!

We also welcomed prospective Year 7 students and their families to Atherton High for a school tour and information session on Tuesday April 27.  Around 110 family members joined us for this session, which will be repeated on Thursday May 27 for any families that were unable to make the first session.  

This week we have our first parent-teacher interviews, which is a great opportunty for staff, parents and students to review student progress.  We look forward to meeting with parents to look at how we can work together to maximise every student's outcomes at Atherton High.

We are also preparing for our NAPLAN, Spirit of Youth concert, School Review and Septofest which will occur this month and encourage parents and students to be active partipants in these events.

Students pay their respects on ANZAC day.

Atherton State High School students paid their respects to service personnel and their families at both the school's ceremony and at community services across the Tablelends.

Community leaders joined us on Thursday April 22 for the school service, which was led by our student leaders.

On ANZAC day, our students attended services at the Avenue of honour, Yungaburra, War graves and the Atherton march and ceremony. Congratulations to all students who represented the school with pride.  Lest we Forget

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News in Brief

P&C meeting:

Next Tuesday May 11 is our first P&C meeting for the term, parents are encouraged to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom.  Please contact the P&C executive at pandc@athertonshs.eq.edu.au if you have any questions about the meeting, which starts at 7.00pm in the conference room, A Block

Teacher Moderation Days:

We are advising everyone that our remaining 2021 teacher moderation days will be held on Wednesday June 2, Thursday September 2 and Friday November 26.  On these days, teachers will meet to review and revise student progress and then collaboratively plan their next student learning experiences.  Students will not be required to attend school on these days and, as with COVID last year, any students attending on these days will be supervised, but no new learning will occur.  Please read the detailed information about this event later in this newsletter.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN is back in 2021 for all students in Years 7 and 9.  We are currently working through some technical issues to deliver this test in the online format this year.  We anticipate that students in Years 7 and 9 will complete the test using an lnline format, but will have a backup of paper testing if requried.  Further information will be released via social media.  The online testing period is May 11 to 21.  If we need to use our backup paper testing, the tests will be administered May 11-13.

Year 6 into 7 Transition information evening:

For new students enrolling in 2022, a repeat of the Year 6 into 7 transition evening which was recently held will be held on Wednesday May 26 starting at 5.30 with a school tour.  After the school tour, parents and prospective students will be given information from school staff. Enrolment packs will be distributed to Year 6 students at their own schools by Head of Junior Secondary Kirstie Whybird.  These packages contain all information, including interview details and key dates to help every prospective student complete a successful transition to high school.

Septofest:

After postponing the special celebration of being Year 7 - Septofest - we are pleased to invite students, staff, parents and prefects to the 2021 event on May 28.

It's time to polish up those costumes and get ready for a great day of fun.  The classes have chosen the following themes for the day...

                  7A – Gangsters

                  7B – Country

                  7C – Annoying 12 Yr olds

                  7D – Clowns

                  7E – Pop culture characters

                  7F – Sports

                  7G - Movie Characters

Any parents wishing to join and help/participate on the day will need to notify us for COVID reasons. Please email twilc26@eq.edu.au to register your attendance.

Reporting absences for your child/ren:

We have recently implemented a new system for student attendance.  We have a new mobile number for you to text through absences for your child/ren - 0426 305 138 - Please ensure that you update your contacts as the old number is not working any more.

Professional learning & sharing – a national success

Four members of staff from Atherton State High School have been accepted to contribute ideas at the Australian Association for the Teaching of English (AATE) and Australian Literacy Educators' Association (ALEA) 2021 national conference. Belinda Hampton, Catherine Campbell, Cheyenne Trevor and Jaelene Durrand will attend the 3 day online conference from the 7^th -9^th July, delivering presentations they have curated on this year’s theme of ‘Challenge & Change: Contemporary Literacy and English Teaching’.

Within the presentations, our teachers will reflect on their own experiences and share practice on:

•  supporting students to rehearse the planning phase of writing in purposeful and meaningful contexts, 
• embedding opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity and richness of language in the classroom , and
•  empowering teachers in times of change through informed professionalism

Congratulations ladies! We look forward to hearing you showcase some of the work we do at Atherton State High at a national level.

Student Council News

On the first week back, the student council hosted "Autism Awareness Week," with much success. On Tuesday there was an informative video playing in the library in recess 1 which showed what it was like to live with autism. In recess 2 a quiz on general autism questions was hosted with squishy prizes that were won. Following on from this was a free dress day on Friday where students could wear anything that made them feel comfortable in exchange for a gold coin donation, proceeds of which totalled $198. A sausage sizzle was also hosted on Friday during both recesses, in partnership with the HUB that generously provided the food. From this we are happy to say that $312 was made. All of this money, totalling $510 will be donated to Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT). We thank all students who participated in these activities and donated money towards this important charity.

Ethan Cumming,

Student Council President

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How to report student absences

Driver Safety

A message to senior students

As the year progresses, more and more of our senior students reach the milestone of obtaining their personal drivers licence. Our students and their safety on their way to, and from school, are of paramount importance to us, particularly on the road, and when travelling in a roadworthy vehicle.  It is essential that parents are aware of any arrangement made by licenced drivers other than their own family, to transport students.  A private Transport Permission form is available from the Student Services counter for parents who agree to the use of alternate arrangements.  This is essential for students travelling in vehicles driven by licensed drivers other than their own immediate family.  In the interest of safety, no student is to travel in a vehicle, other than with a family member, without written permission from their parent or guardian.

As a licenced student or adult driver, you should also complete a Permission to use a "Private Vehicle for Travel" form if you are transporting a student other than your child/ren to and/or from school or a school organised event.  These are available from the Student Services office.

Health Update

Year 10 HPX class lawn bowls challenge

Over the course of term one, year 10 Health and Physical Education Extension students across two classes participated in the game of lawn bowls as their practical component of study.  Under the expert tutelage of club coach Mal Mackney, as well as Ms Davis and Ms Porter, students developed both their skills and knowledge of the game.  Never before heard of terminology such as ‘green’, ‘grass’, ‘weight’, ‘ditch’ and ‘bias’; equipment including bowls, rinks, mats, jacks and chalk; as well as skills such as forehands, backhands, drives and draws were attempted by many and mastered by some. 

In the final showdown of the term (doubling as the main assessment and moderation lesson), the Davis group got off to a flying start to get on top early.  After an intense battle, it was ultimately Ms Porter’s class that stormed home to take the win.  Congratulations to 10A HPX who are the 2021 class champions!

Well done to all of the students and staff for participating so well in this unit, and representing the school respectfully and responsibly at the bowls club during lessons each week.  It was fantastic to see students undertaking the amazing game of bowls and sparking an interest in such a valuable life long physical activity.  Thank you to Mal and the Atherton bowls club for their continued support of our HPX program.  Well done 2021 year 10 HPX students - which class will win next year?

Sports News

Representative Sport

As per every year; term one is extremely busy with sport and this year was no different. Term one saw many of our students trial for positions within Tablelands teams to then attend Peninsula Championships in the hope of being selected as part of a Peninsula team. So far, Peninsula School Sport have announced that the following students from Atherton State High School have been selected as a representative of a Peninsula Regional School Sports team to compete in a state champonship for their chosen sport. This is an outstanding achievement and I congratulate you all on your efforts and wish you the best of luck for your remaining school sport representative pathway.

Cricket – Matthew Coleman (12) and Dalton Butler (10)

Swimming – Kadee Clemesha (10)

Golf – Curtis Househam (12)

Football Soccer – Jack Centofanti (12)

Touch Football – Jhidan Dikes (11), Joe McCahon (9) and Noah Blooranta (10)

Rugby League – Kaleb Nielsen (12), Joel Nane (8) and Noah Blooranta (10)

Sailing

Term one saw the Tablelands Sailing Team have a convincing win in Townsville on 20 March 2021 against two Townsville teams and a Whitsunday/Bowen/Proserpine team. Considering the team hadn’t trained in 2021, it was an amazing feat that they managed to win all nine races and have made the Tinaroo Sailing Club, themselves and their coaches very proud.  The team is made up of high school students from the Tablelands, however coincidentally, this year’s team is all Atherton State High Sschool students. Captain is Finn Vallance and his fellow sailors are Tahnee Dilger, Michael Dilger, Conor Stevenson, Marni Dennis, Lucy Edson, Travis Wadley and Breanne Wadley. Team coaches are Peter McGregor, Darryl Dilger and Lew Chapman. Congratulations team – what a great way to start 2021! With the FNQ competition starting in Term 2; school sailing regattas occuring in Cairns on May 16 and the finals on May 22 at Tinaroo, watch this space for more updates. Best of luck students and I hope to see you at Tinaroo.

Ms Maryanne Cortis, Sports Coordinator.

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Technologies Update

With the start of a new term it is important to reflect on all the positives and successes our faculty has had so far this year. Our technology faculty consists of three major areas; Digital Technology, Textiles and Food Studies and Industrial Technology and Design.

Digital Technology was a hub of activity when I visited. Mr Gray and Mrs Stevens were busy helping their students with coding and basic computer operations for the younger years with the seniors seriously planning a webpage development project. It`s amazing to see the development of skills and interest the students are displaying.

Throughout term 1, it was my pleasure to come and see as many classes as possible within our faculty. In Textiles and Food Studies I saw fantastic work in Mrs Khan`s and Mr Green`s classes with students of all ages engaged in learning both in practical and theoretical classes. I witnessed students making scones, pasta dishes as well as other international foods.

In Industrial Design and Technology, I was amazed to see so many students applying themselves safely and diligently. I saw students completing projects of all levels of difficulty. From year 7 to year 12, our ITD students are demonstrating creativity and interest. Our year 9 students got to race their C02 Dragsters as a culminating activity at the end of term 1. The design of the cars and the way the students conducted themselves was amazing. Well done year 9 students!

I look forward to getting to know all of our students more as term 2 gets underway.

Kind regards,

Joe Quinn

Head of Teaching and Learning (Technologies)

Chappie's Chat

Breakfast and Homework Club

CEC Update

Hi all, and welcome back to term 2. The Former Origin Greats (FOGS) ARTIE (Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education) Academy assists to ‘Close the Gap’ in educational outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their non-Indigenous peers. The Former Origin Greats ARTIE Academy focuses on improving school attendance via commitment, positive reinforcement and support. This is achieved through our incentive based challenges each Term. To be successful in challenges, participants must achieve 90% Physical Attendance. Wednesday 21^st April we launched our term 2 challenge. Unfortunately we weren’t able to participant in the planned tradition Aboriginal games due to the wet weather, and had to opt for “Cultural charades”, which meant the students had to work together in teams, and act out cultural terms, such as yarning circle. It was great to see our participants work together, our seniors take the lead, and have a good laugh. Also, a special shout out to Deakin Csoma in Year 8 for receiving his positive behaviour rewards for Term 1.

Come to Playgroup at Atherton High!

Looking for something to do on a Friday morning? Bring your little ones to the Atherton High Playgroup

Year 10 Science

Year 10 science last week was colour changing!! They are examining the effect of exciting electrons of different metal compounds on the colour of flame produced. Each element produces specific colours of light which relates to their atomic structure.

Library News

Last week we honoured ANZAC Day recognising more than 1.5 million service men and women who  served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Library Assistants Marianne and Hayley had been busy over the past weeks making ANZAC book displays and collage boards, exhibiting ANZAC stories, symbols, customs and posters.

Let us always remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have served our nation.

Lest we forget.

ANZAC Movie (PG)

Gallipoli

Directed by Peter Weir (1981), Gallipoli is a film about two Australian sprinters who face the brutal realities of war when they are sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey during World War I.

This movie was shown in Recess 1 & 2 Friday 23/04

ART EXHIBITION: CUBIST PATTERN PORTRAIT

Running April to MAY

Year 9 Art students completed a body of work based on the concept of cubism and portraiture. Students have created the most outstanding creations on A4 paper capturing the energy and spirit of famous faces in our world using patterns and tone. The resulting suite of their work is a celebration not to be missed. 

ASHS Free Online Library

Getting started with Sora

With Sora, you can get free ebooks and audiobooks from your school.

Step 1: Install the Sora app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or go to soraapp.com on your computer/laptop.

Step 2: In Sora, select “Education Queensland” and then sign in using your ASHS personal user name and password.

Step 3: Browse the  tab and borrow a book. Your book will open so you can start reading right away.

Step 4: Close the book and go to  to see all your books (including assignments). From there, you can:

• Select Open bookor Open audiobook to read or listen to the book.
• Select Optionsto renew or return the book, see your notes and highlights, and more.

Extra Curricular Activities

Finance update

Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,

Student Resource Scheme 2021 Payments Now Due

All 2021 Student Resource Scheme levies including subject fees were due to be paid at end of term 1 and if unpaid are now outstanding. Please ensure all fees are paid in full or a payment agreement in place with the school in order for students to continue to receive resources. We will be following up on outstanding payments. Statements will be sent out and 1st Notice letters will be generated soon.

Parents experiencing financial hardship who are currently participating in or wish to participate in the SRS should contact the school to discuss options.

2021 Year 12 Formal Invoicing

Invoices for attendance at the 2021 Year 12 Formal have been generated. Please ensure all other school fees are paid before paying for and attending the Formal.

For further information email bsm@athertonshs.eq.edu.au

Paying School Fees:

You can pay your child’s school fees in one of the following ways :

• BPOINT to pay by credit and debit card
• BPOINT IVR (Over the Phone Payment) Call - 1300 631 073
• Direct Deposit into the school Bank Account BSB: 064-800 Account: 00090137
• EFTPOS at L Block Reception.
• Arrange payment plans and centrepay payments at Reception
• Payment can also be accessed online via your QParents account.

We are currently transitioning to a Cashless School and would prefer payments be made by one of the above methods

Does attendance really matter?

Dentist is at Atherton High

NQCO concert flyer

Launch Tablelands Innovation Boot Camp 2021

YEA! Flyer

Schoolzine Newsletters

We are now producing our eNewsletters with Schoolzine. The move to this new format  enables us to communicate with our school community across multiple channels. It promotes and enhances our engagement with parents, students and the wider community.

We hope you find the eNewsletters highly engaging, it provides an efficient and effective means of connecting with you. The new format  allows the inclusion of video, photo galleries, online bookings, mobile apps, feedback forms, calendars and so much more.

The newsletter also has a sponsorship section which provides a great opportunity for local businesses to engage with our parent community. If you would like to be a part of this, please contact Schoolzine.

Phone Jude 07 5414 2363
jude.dawson@schoolzine.com.au

TRC Sports Bursary

Momentum Gymnastics

2021 Bursary Program